On the subject of lobbying...

Hi all,

I have on occasion lobbied on behalf on community college issues in California, and here are a few things I found helpful in my interaction with our representatives:

1) Be polite. If enraged, just say so honestly and politely.
2) Mention that you are a constituent. Make sure to write your own reps directly mentioning where you live, and then blast everyone else, making sure to mention any groups you are active with (i.e. League of Women Voters, Church groups, Soccer Mom's United, whatever...) Give them a sense of the demographic you represent, and always remember that your audience is keenly aware of its responsibility to serve their constituency first.
3) When writing your reps, make sure to research the most recent things they have worked on that you like, or any other significant thing they have done that has positively impacted you, and PRAISE THEM FOR IT. This is key, because it shows that you are tuned in to what they do, and are willing to support them if they look your direction.

Lobbying as a citizen or a small citizen group is not tough, and if we use some proven techniques, we could get quite good at it. :)

Hope that helps!

Warmly,

George
p.s. Any other tips on lobbying can be listed in this thread so that people who are still kind of new to it can get some advice. Please keep this kicked or linked as needed, since us DUrs do write a lot to our reps (or should be).

I don't mean that as sarcasm, either.

I would add to the list above:

4) Apply boat-loads of money, make HUGE campaign contributions, give expensive gifts and luxery trips to the officials, and hire armies of professionals to lobby your issue.

The more money you have, the more your influence really counts! If you are poor ... well tough luck! Try voting, instead.

Hi there,

Maybe I am a little Pollyana with my approach, but I've seen it work personally. We all know that career politicians are often concerned about the financing of their elections, but they are even more concerned when upsetting large constituent groups. Like I said, I lobbied without any money exchanged on behalf of community colleges and saw some really cool results. It didn't stop an impending hike in tuition rates, but the dialogue produced answers to several other concerns, and our reps were able to tell us why they did or didn't support the issues we raised. We saw some real action as a result of the conversation; reports being generated, press conferences on some of the issues, and follow-up legislation.

While insane amounts of money can shift people's thinking, so can constituents if they aim their efforts right.

And for all the others posting in this thread, please give advice for the less financially prepared. :) My guess is that most DUrs don't have enough cash to buy votes, assuming they were in fact for sale. lol

Warmly,

George
(edited for typo... sorry)

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I will work to defeat your re-election.

I will ensure an opponent will be on the ballot for your seat.

The worst thing a legislator can do is make you mad enough to ensure his defeat. Use it. They are ALL, always running for re-election.

And be sure to act on your promise.

Hi Boredtodeath,

I haven't used this tactic myself, but have a followup thought: it should really be done as tactfully as possible. People who are indignant are easy to dismiss as such.

I think that, especially for State and local types, the important thing for them to know is that you can be a very positive player and her/his decision will weigh heavily on your thought on which team you will play for.

I don't want to dismiss the advice at all, because I do believe that if it is used constructively (through tactful and dignant discourse) it could have an even more powerful effect.

Also, keep in mind that you can set appointments with many of your reps fairly easily, especially if you represent a large constituency group (i.e. a local college group, league of women voters). Even if you feel you don't belong to any other populous group, if you are a constituent by residence, you should be confident in the amount of impact you can have.

I always like to use the positive, which can imply the negative through the level of enthusiasm and persistence you display. Of course, when you don't get what you want you will seriously consider switching teams. The question is, when you switch will you be an asset to the other side? If they think the answer is no, then they will not worry about you.

On the other hand, if you go in talking about how excited you are to help with the next campaign (and don't lie to them if they are neo-con and you are true blue; there are other methods with those folks), support certain issues they support, become active in community projects they are working on, etc., they will naturally think that you would do the same for the other guy if she/he pisses you off too much.

Hope that feeds the discussion a little more. Whatever the tactic, the most important thing is that you start getting involved. As much as we all would like to believe that their ears are only atuned to the sound of a briefcase full of cash springing open, those folks are truly in the minority in my opinion (at least here in Ca).

Warmly,

George

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remember to spend some time writing your reps! :) -G